How do I apply as a guaranteed admissions applicant?

This checklist contains requirements for domestic (U.S. citizens) students transferring to American University (AU) under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement, also known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This information is not relevant for general transfers to American University (AU).

All applicants must have submitted a
Letter of Intent by October 1 in order to be considered for admission under a guaranteed admission agreement. Students can enter AU in the fall semester only under these agreements.

How to Apply

Applicants apply online using the
Common Application. To be considered for admission to AU, your application and all
supporting documents listed below must be received by February 1.

All MOU Transfer Applicants:

Completed Common Application, including essay and CV/Resume

Common Application Supplement (optional)

Academic records with official transcripts

One or two academic letters of recommendation (optional)

Important: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above must be submitted by February 1. Your file will not be reviewed until
all of the above materials have been received by the Admissions Office. Late applications will not be considered.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

Students who wish to be considered for transfer under a guaranteed admission agreement must be in good academic and social standing at all previously attended schools.

Guaranteed admission transfer applicants have a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 at their current institution. The following AU academic units have specific minimum GPA requirements:

Kogod School of Business: 2.75

School of Communication: 2.50

School of Education: 2.70

School of International Service: 3.00

School of Public Affairs: 2.50

Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation for transfer students is required. You will be required to select and assign at least one Academic Evaluator within the Common Application. If you request recommendations outside of the Common Application, they should appear on official letterhead and include your full name and Social Security number (or date of birth) and be sent directly to American University.

English Proficiency

If English is not your first language (regardless of citizenship), please submit one of the following:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - TOEFL code 5007

Internet based test (iBT) score of 80 or higher. Sub-scores for each section of the TOEFL should be 20 or higher. To be considered competitive, a 90 iBT score or above is recommended.

Paper-based test score of 550 or higher.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Composite score of 6.5 or higher. Sub-scores for each section of the IELTS should be 6.0 or higher.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 53 or higher.

SAT Critical Reading score of 530 or higher (taken before 3/1/2016), or SAT Reading Test sub-score of 29 or higher (taken after 3/1/2016)

ACT English score of 23 or higher

Please arrange for scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. (TOEFL Code: 5007)

Note: Some guaranteed admission agreements include provisions for attaining English proficiency through course work at the community college, or through a combination of course work at the community college and at AU upon matriculation. Please refer to the MOU for your institution and discuss your options with your academic advisor.

When Will I Hear?

Your application will be reviewed only after your file is complete. You will be notified in writing of missing documents, but you should also check your application status through the Prospective Student Portal. You will be notified of your admission decision by March 1, along with notification of any Phi Theta Kappa or other scholarship and/or financial aid awards.